Tag: canal boat holiday england

2017 has been a great year with lots of happy customers enjoying their holiday on the Ashby canal with Midland Mallard. But it’s not time to say goodbye to 2017 just yet! With Just a few slots still available there is still time to book a break in September or October 2017. Please see our contact us page to make an inquiry or click on the availability button to see what dates are still available.

Its Not Time to Say Goodbye to 2017 Just Yet

However, if you wish to book a weeks holiday or just a short break in 2018 our prices are now available on the prices page on our website. Returning customers can enjoy a 10% discount on all dates for 2018 when booking direct through us!

If its you first time booking with us then you may want to read our FAQ page with lots of useful information regarding steering the boats and what you can expect to see on the stunning Ashby Canal!

The rail ale festival which took place at the weekend was a great success with lots to see and do. Our visitors Angela and Gary from London had a great time at the festival enjoying the plethora of ales, music and comedy.

There were lots of traction engines as always again this year some of which are shown below…

We are taking bookings for next year so be sure not to miss out on this family festival in 2018.

Thanks for viewing canal boat holidays on the Ashby canal in the Midlands.

This years Market Bosworth Rail Ale festival is nearly upon us! Why not spend the weekend living on-board our luxury narrowboat just a stones throw away from the annual festival based at the Market Bosworth steam train station?

Most boat owners know how hard it can be living aboard a narrowboat especially in Winter. However, with central heating and various heating systems on board these days life on board a narrowboat should be a cosy affair.

In this short clip by our old friend David, or Mr CC as he prefers to be know by these days, David explains the different types of heating available and their individual merits.

Will I receive training on a Canal Boat Holiday?

To make your stay as comfortable and relaxing as possible you will receive face to face training and one clear document that will help guide you through your holiday, everything from how to steer the boat to how you make the beds up. You will also receive hands on training as there are some things that will be easier to show you. We will also point you towards the most helpful of tutorials either on line or on DVD before your stay.

There are various ways in which you can prepare for your canal boat holiday, one of which is to watch the “Youtube” video of the “Boaters Handbook DVD” which should help you understand the basics of boating life. This can be viewed by clicking the following button

The Ashby Canal is a Lock free canal so there may only be a few instances that require you to use the on-board winding / lock keys and this will also be explained as a matter of course.

You will receive training before and during your stay on the Narrowboat in the following areas…

1) Safety – How to stay safe when on-board and off the boat.

2) Gas – How to operate the cooker and gas bottles.

3) Waste Water – An explanation on where it goes and how to empty the holding tanks.

4) Fire – Where to find the Fire Blankets and Extinguishers.

5) Heating – Heating controls and operation.

6) Toilets – How to Operate.

7) Electrical – Where they are located and how to keep batteries charged.

8) Sleeping – How to make up the beds and how to configure the layouts.

9) Alcohol and Drugs – An explanation of your requirements whilst in charge of the Narrowboat.

10) Points of interest – Where to eat and drink and other points of interest.

You will also learn how to open and maintain the weed hatch which is located at the back end of the boat just in-case you pick up any obstructions in the water.

A basic Android tablet with the canal route app will be provided on all rentals. This app will allow you to view places nearby in greater detail and will give you a GPS location. In the event of an emergency whereby we have to reach you it will be easier to locate you with this app.

When Hiring a canal boat in the Midlands you will have access to the main artery of the canal network so if you are staying for a while the whole network is accessible.

A Canal Boat holiday on the Ashby canal is the perfect introduction to narrowboat life.

Welcome On Board!

Thank you for choosing your holiday with Midland Mallard. No matter which boat you’ve hired or the length of your trip, we’re sure that you’ll have a fantastic time cruising the cut around this largely rural and beautiful part of the country.

Based at the new luxury marina at Market Bosworth, MidlandMallard canal boat holidays will be hiring out a new Narrowboat which will be available from the beginning of the year. Your stay with us will allow you to cruise the Ashby canal network in the beautiful Leicestershire countryside in luxury.

You may even wish to stay in and around the historic town of Market Bosworth, the final battle scene for King Richard iii which is just a few short minutes from the Marina. The Ashby canal actually runs through the old battle lines and there is a visitor centre which is also free. Why not check out the Historic railway or just meander through the countryside which is a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and boasts a great many species of wildlife.

However you wish to spend your time holidays won’t be the same again having spent time relaxing and enjoying the scenery around the beautiful Midlands countryside with Midland Mallard Canal Boat Holidays on the Ashby Canal.

We aim to make your visit to the historic Ashby canal network a peaceful and interesting affair so we will be kitting out your boat with all the mod cons including a canal navigation app provided free with every boat hire and WIFI. This app provided on a 7″ tablet will ensure you miss nothing whilst steering the boat down the Midlands canal network.

There are many places to visit on the canal network including some lovely pubs and cafes or if you wish to just relax and watch the hills roll by you can!

Canal Boat Holidays on the Ashby Canal with MidlandMallard will fill you with joyful satisfaction and not least of all knowledge of our historic waterways!

Please feel free to ask any questions you wish by using our comments section below..

The canal is named Ashby-de-la-Zouch, however it is more commonly know as the Ashby. The Ashby winds it’s way peacefully through the countryside for almost the whole of its LOCK FREE 22-mile length, it is perfect for first time boaters. With hedgerows and reeds adding to a green landscape. It is rich in wildlife which includes Herons, Kingfishers, Moorhens and large fish. In Dec 2013 a large Pike weighing 32 lbs was discovered lurking in the waters. Other course fish include bream, roach and chub.

From Snarestone to Carlton Bridge, the canal is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, supporting aquatic plant life and several varieties ofdragonfly.

This unspoilt canal is also a gateway into medieval times. The ridge and furrow patterns created by medieval farmers can still be seen and the canal line touches the western edge of Bosworth Field, where Richard III met his match at the hands of Henry Tudor in 1485. The hawthorn bushes at Stoke Golding are said to be where Richard’s crown was discovered following the battle.

Click image below for more history anf info about the Ashby Canal Network..

Reviews

What a lovely introduction to narrow boating. Justin was friendly, relaxed and helpful and the boat was more than adequate and well fitted out. The Ashby Canal is easy to navigate and peaceful to stay on for a few days. Not too many pubs along the way so ideal for those wanting the quiet life on board interspersed with the odd dinner out. We enjoyed a lovely 4 days with the family. Thanks

We have just had a lovely weekend break for our wedding anniversary! Justin was so helpful even replied straight the way to texts throughout the weekend !! Very clean throughout and the pubs he recommended were beautiful ! Would highly recommend this as a break away , as first timers we were so nervous but absolutely loved it and now wanting to return with the children so thank you